Bullish
Copper prices surge to record highs amid supply constraints and tariff uncertainties.
Over the past 24 hours, copper prices have reached unprecedented levels, driven by tight supply conditions and ongoing uncertainties surrounding potential U.S. import tariffs. The London Metal Exchange (LME) three-month copper contract touched an all-time high of $14,779 per tonne, reflecting a significant surge in the market. This rally is further supported by expectations of strong demand from sectors such as electrification and artificial intelligence, coupled with supply disruptions at major mining operations.
Key points
- Copper prices hit record highs, with LME three-month copper reaching $14,779 per tonne.
- Smelter processing fees collapse to zero, indicating a shortage of mine concentrate rather than processing capacity.
- Cochilco raises 2026 copper price forecast to $5.55 per pound, citing firm global demand and tight supply.
- Slower production growth may push copper market to a deficit in 2026, according to ICSG.
Sources
- COPPER SETS RECORD ABOVE $14,700 A TONNE AS SMELTER PROCESSING FEES COLLAPSE TO ZEROTALi News · September 22, 2026
- Cochilco raises 2026 copper price forecastKitco News · May 19, 2026
- Slower production growth will push copper market to deficit in 2026, says ICSGInvesting.com · October 8, 2025
- Copper hits record high as tight supply, US tariff fears boost pricesBusiness Standard · September 8, 2026
AI-generated from public news sources. Not financial advice.
